Judge Holt jailed her for 24 weeks suspended for 12 months and also banned her from driving for five years.

The court heard that she had been fined 11 months before the crash for speeding at 56mph in a 30mph zone.

Judge Holt said: "This is a tragic case where there are no winners and all are losers and demonstrates the importance of older drivers to exercise responsibility and recognise when their driving skills fall off to the extent that they present a danger to other road users.

"We are seeing an increasing number of older drivers involved in such tragic cases as these in this court."

He said that her speeding conviction before the crash might have been an indication that her driving skills were starting to deteriorate.

The judge warned: "It is the responsibility of older drivers and their family and friends to monitor their driving skills and face up to the fact that there will come a time when they are no longer safe to drive.

"It is perhaps understandable, particularly in rural areas where there is no public transport, that drivers hang onto their licences longer than is safe. But the tragic consequences of this case demonstrate the very real need to face up to the facts."

Prosecutor Martin Ivory said Hughes was of previous good character and had no recollection of the crash which also left her injured. He added: "No one knows precisely what happened."

He said there was no mechanical fault with her car, no alcohol was involved, and driving conditions were fine although it was dark.

William Carter, defending, said Hughes who had just returned from a family holiday, knew the road well and was fit enough to drive.

He added: "She does not know what happened. However she realises that whatever happened it was plainly her fault and she has to live with that.

"Not a day goes past when she does not think back to that terrible tragedy. There is nothing this court can do that will bring Mr Bockmaster back."

He said Hughes had decided to give up driving since the crash: "She has not driven since that day. She has no intention of ever driving again," he said.

Chief Insp Chris Spinks , head of the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads Policing Unit, said later: "Both counties have a high population of older drivers and while it's understood the rural nature of the counties makes it difficult to get around without your own transport, safety has to be the priority.

"That said, not all older drivers will pose a danger on our roads. However they are an area of focus along with young drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians and cyclists.

"Friends and family, as well as drivers themselves, need to take responsibility and have that conversation with a loved one, no matter how hard that might be.

"Identifying safety issues at the earliest opportunity may be able to prevent them from becoming another tragedy or statistic.".

The court heard how Mr Bockmaster had just picked up his daughter from Downham Market railway station when the accident happened.

The judge praised his family for their forgiveness as they said they did not want to see Hughes caused "further pain".

His widow Doreen and daughter who were in court said in a victim impact statement that they were devastated by his death. They described him as a "brilliant and caring".

Judge Holt referred to Mr Bockmaster's widow , saying: "She expresses that she does not want to bring on you (Hughes) any further pain and said her husband would not have wanted that. That is a very wonderful feeling that she is able to put in writing."

After the hearing, Mrs Bockmaster and his daughter shook hands and embraced Hughes' daughter and son, who were also in court.

There is no legal age at which pensioners must stop driving, but licences must be renewed every three years after people turn 70.

The DVLA must be told about any medical conditions that affects driving ability and says drivers should consider giving up if their reactions are slower or eyesight worsens.